How to apply if you have a resident visa

If you have a resident visa, find out how to apply for a permanent resident visa under the Christchurch Response (2019) Category.

How to apply

You apply using the same process as other resident visa holders.

Application from a Resident or Former Resident Visa Holder (INZ 1175)

Application fees

There is no application fee. You do not pay:

  • an application fee
  • an immigration levy.

Preparing to apply

Before you apply, check that you are eligible and which application process to use.

Residence for victims of the Christchurch terrorist attacks — who this visa is for

Including family members in your application

If you all hold resident visas, you can include your partner and dependent children in your application.

Other family members must make a separate application.

Gather evidence to support your application

Gather evidence and documents to support your application — and for anyone included in your application.

Include:

  • your passport or certificate of identity
  • 2 passport-sized photos for everyone in your application.

Provide evidence:

  • that you have a New Zealand resident visa — for example, the label in your passport or an eVisa letter
  • of your relationship to the person who was present at the attacks, and
  • your relationship to any other applicants you include in your application.

You do not need to provide:

  • police certificates
  • evidence of your commitment to New Zealand
  • payment — it is free to apply because of the special circumstances.

Evidence that you were present at the attacks

You do not need to send us anything. We will confirm that you were named on the official New Zealand Police lists and will contact you if we need further information.

Evidence of your good character

You do not need to provide police certificates with your application. We will contact you if you need to provide any.

Good character for residence visas

Submitting your application

Post your application and supporting documents to:

Immigration New Zealand
PO Box 22111
Christchurch 8140

How we assess your application

After we receive your application, we check that:

  • you or a family member were present during the attacks according to the official New Zealand Police lists
  • your current visa status and your visa status on 15 March 2019
  • other visa applications you have made — this helps us verify the information you give us
  • the evidence you have given us about your family relationships.

We will contact you if we need to interview you about your application or ask you for other information or evidence to support your application.

How long it takes us to make a decision

It usually takes about a month to process Permanent Resident Visa applications. Because of the special circumstances, we aim to provide you with an update within 2 weeks of your application being received.